General Information About Hypertension in Children
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where blood pressure is measured higher than 95% of children in the same age, sex, and height percentile (growth curve).
While blood pressure in adults is mostly age/genetics-related (primary); high blood pressure seen in young children is usually caused by an underlying, distinct disease (secondary) belonging to organs such as the kidneys or heart.
Kidney diseases, renal artery stenosis, or aortic coarctation are the most common causes in infants and young children. During adolescence, increasing obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet (primary) become more prominent.
It usually presents no symptoms and is detected during routine examinations. However, when it rises significantly, it can cause headaches, nosebleeds, palpitations, blurred vision, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
It is detected through repeated measurements using the correct cuff size appropriate for the child's arm circumference. To find the underlying cause, Renal Ultrasound, Echocardiography, and blood/urine tests are requested.
If there is a secondary cause (such as kidney stenosis), it is treated surgically. If it is obesity-related, a low-sodium diet, weight management, and exercise are recommended. In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, pediatric blood pressure medications are initiated.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
